Exercise During Pregnancy: Do it! and Keep Doing It

#1 Reduces aches and pains – Exercise strengthens the back and abs which improves your posture. These muscles are key to carrying a big baby-filled belly comfortably.

#2Increases circulation – Better circulation prevents constipation and leg cramps that are common during pregnancy. Better blood flow will help reduce leg swelling and the possibility of getting varicose veins.

#3Boosts immune system – Research shows a lower incidence of colds, flus, sinusitis, and bronchitis in pregnant women who exercise.

#5Lowers joint wear and tear – Exercise will stabilize your joints and offset the effects of the pregnancy hormone, relaxin, which relaxes the ligaments that support the joints.

#6Faster post-pregnancy recovery – Keeping a high level of fitness will help you get back to a regular exercise routine faster than non-exercising moms, hence staying fit, and keeping your weight in check.

#7 Reduces mood swings and stress – Boosting your serotonin and endorphins will make you feel happier during and after pregnancy.

#8Reduces fatigue – Exercise gives pregnant woman an energy boost, reducing tiredness that pregnant women and new moms feel. Exercising pregnant women have more energy in general, can tolerate the stresses of pregnancy and have more energy to take care of the baby.

#9 Improves your sleep – Exercising pregnant women report better sleep. Try to work out in the morning or during the day because exercise too near to bedtime can contribute to insomnia.

#10 Reduces morning sickness – Nausea can make it tough to get moving, but many women report that they feel less queasy after a workout.

#11Keeps weight in check – Mom’s who exercise throughout pregnancy gain an average 8 pounds less than their sedentary friends.

#12Improves your body image – Being fit definitely helps a woman feel better about herself, especially when her big belly is making her feel a little less than sexy.

#13Faster, easier delivery – Having a baby requires strength and stamina. What better way to prepare for this than being strong and fit? Studies have also shown that pregnant women who exercise need fewer painkillers. It is likely because their endorphins, which are natural painkillers, are higher.

#14Become a better athlete – Women who train all the way through their pregnancies can increase their maximum aerobic capacity from 5 to 10 percent.

#15Smaller babies to give birth to – Babies of exercising moms are less fat, but still as long and robust as larger babies born to moms who don’t exercise.

#16Leaner children – leaner babies will be leaner all the way up to, at least, their 5th birthday.

#17Stronger fetal cardiovascular system – Researchers from the Kansas City University of Medicine found that fetuses of mothers who exercise have stronger hearts, much like the exerciser herself does.

#18Improves tolerance to the stress of delivery – Babies born to exercising moms have been shown to experience less stress at the time of delivery.

#19Fewer infant issues – Newborns of exercising mothers are reported to have less colic, sleep through the night earlier, and are easier to care for in general.